Constitutional voice won’t resolve Indigenous problems

Warren Mundine, a credible commentator in the voice debate, rightly calls a spade a spade in relation to criticism of the content of the No campaign pamphlet (“Yes ‘con job’ is no magic wand to fix Indigenous plight”, 21/7). In particular, he takes issue with Greg Craven’s complaint for being quoted out of context. Craven’s comments used are on the public record and, as such, it is fair game to use them.

More important, Mundine reminds us again that the voice to parliament is no cure for addressing the entrenched problems facing Indigenous Australians. A national voice, including a rationalisation of the many existing organisations for First Nations people, may be of some help. But that should not be in the Constitution, which must prescribe equality for all citizens. And that also would prevent the inevitable legal wrangling before the High Court over the jurisdiction of a constitutionally based voice.

Michael Schilling, Millswood, SA

In his superbly reasoned article, Nyunggai Warren Mundine wrote two sentences that I believe meticulously summarise the heart of closing the gap in regards to Aboriginal disadvantage: “Only economic participation can do this: kids in school, adults in jobs, people able to create businesses and own their own homes.” That isn’t achieved with a magic wand. It’s achievable only through hard graft and political courage. By way of contrast, the voice referendum is predicated on the notion that what will close the gap is yet another heavy layer of well-remunerated bureaucracy, more talk, more competing voices and thus more grievance, with the strong possibility of treaties and truth-telling to heap yet more guilt on to the weary shoulders of middle Australia.

If the recently released pamphlet is indeed incorrect and a Yes vote will finally provide “practical advice that works”, then what have 65,000 years of culture and traditions not specifically provided? What has happened to the wisdom of elders, past, present and emerging? At the risk of sounding cynical, I don’t believe revised constitutional wording beyond recognition is going to make a consequential difference.

Peter Waterhouse, Craigieburn, Vic

Recently I watched Rabbit-Proof Fence, a film I have resisted viewing for many and varied reasons, however, instinctively I knew that I would be confronted by issues with which I didn’t want to deal. Anyone who views this re-creation of three girls, torn from their mothers’ arms and transported, could not but be embarrassed, angered and dismayed. As any mother will tell you, the biggest fear we have is losing our child through illness, tragic events or, as happened to me, in a shopping centre: the frantic search, the heart-clenching fear as time goes on, only to be relieved when said child pops out of a cupboard.

Those mothers of the Stolen Generations had no such relief, many for their entire life. The sheer inhumanity that classified their children as needing to be civilised was clothed in good intentions and knowing what was good for them. We cannot go on as we have, thinking we know better than any other people. Consultation is the way of understanding. We don’t know what we don’t know.

I am a simple person who sees the trees, not the forest but, if for no other reason than those three girls, evading all civilised man’s efforts, to walk home, I will be voting Yes in the upcoming referendum.

Lorraine Cornish, Huntingdale, WA

It must be a shock to proponents of the Yes vote to see their fellow Australians question the foundation on which the voice has been based. This does not accord with their idea that the constitutional change they propose should proceed because it feels right.

Marilyn Shaw, Hayborough, SA

Matildas magic

Witnessing the Matilda’s victory over Ireland in the women’s football team in the first match of the tournament in Sydney was an uplifting experience (“No Sam, no sweat: Matildas shake off Kerr plot twist to start wild cup ride with win”, 21/7). Many, if not most, people (including me) doubted if the Matildas could win without their captain, best player and arguably world’s best female player. Then there was the pressure of expectation; a heavy load to bear. The Matildas clearly believed in themselves and rose to the occasion. They should be honoured by all Australians.

Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin, ACT

No can do

Robert Gottliebsen’s article regarding the tragic Victorian Premier is so profoundly accurate that the author deserves a medal (“We can still save the Commonwealth Games”, 21/7). The lack of state organisation, failure to understand global trends or ability to account means Daniel Andrews must go and be replaced with a “can-do” premier who will produce the Commonwealth Games as promised.

Roderick Bain, Woolloomooloo, NSW